NGO supports Wenchi maize farmers

Wenchi (B/A), April 2, GNA - Farmers Supportive and Community Utilities, an NGO, has established a maize market at Wenchi, aimed at assisting farmers to obtain better prices and markets for their produce. Mr Amansia Twum, desk officer of the NGO and chairman of the maize market told Ghana News Agency that the organization was supporting 3000 farmers in the district to enable them obtain better yields. He said the NGO had been encouraging the farmers to take the vocation seriously as a business, so they could generate enough resources to help them improve their living standards. The desk officer said the NGO had also been assisting in checking the incidence of bushfires to save their farms and other properties from destruction.

"The NGO has provided bushfire fighting equipment, including Wellington boots and cutlasses to local fire volunteers to encourage them in their activities", Mr Twum added.

Mr Twum said the maize market, established about five years ago, had helped the farmers to sell their produce to traders at Wenchi, whilst some of the farmers had been enjoying credit facilities provided by traders, who bought their maize.

He said women groups had also been formed to allow members to obtain loans from financial institutions to expand their businesses. The desk officer commended the Wenchi District Assembly, the Wenchi Traditional Council, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other stakeholders for supporting the NGO in its activities towards the progress of the farmers' activities.

Mr Twum invited dealers in maize to visit Wenchi market to do business, as there was abundance of the commodity at all times.